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Cold-formed and red iron steel buildings are durable metal building options. Both types boast excellent cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and durability for a wide range of building projects. Steel and red iron buildings are gaining popularity across the United States as more people recognize the benefits of these types of construction.

But which type of building is right for your needs? This guide will outline the differences between cold-form and steel buildings. You’ll learn the benefits of steel and red iron buildings and how to choose the right one for your project.

Contact the experts at Titan Steel Structures to learn more about cold-formed steel and red iron buildings. Explore our wide selection of pre-engineered building kits or get a customized quote for your project. We look forward to helping you bring your project to life.

What is Cold-Form Steel?

Cold-form steel buildings (CFSB) use roll formed steel framing elements. During the manufacturing process, manufacturers create beams, floor decking, columns, joists, anchor bolts, and other components by shaping room-temperature steel.

Cold-rolling allows manufacturing plants to produce stronger elements to frame buildings of all shapes and sizes. It also allows manufacturers to increase precisions during manufacturing, resulting in higher quality products.

People choose cold-formed steel buildings for a wide range of projects, including:

• Warehouses
• Retail spaces
• Residential buildings
• Agricultural purposes
• Storage
• Manufacturing

CFSB offers many advantages over traditional concrete or wood construction. Some of the most significant benefits of pre-engineered CFSB kits include:

• Faster construction
• Simpler assembly
• Durability
• Minimal maintenance
• Strength
• Versatility

Cold-form steel building kits are quicker to assemble. Building typically takes less time and equipment than other types of construction and produces less on-site waste. A CSFB may be ideal for people needing to expand a business, create storage, or build a home quickly.

What is Red Iron Steel?

Red iron steel is a type of structural steel. This type of steel has an iron oxide coating that creates a waterproof barrier. Red iron steel resists corrosion, rust, and other types of water damage.

Red iron steel is a natural resource. Its strength and versatility allow people to build larger, longer-lasting buildings. Red iron steel’s strength and the specialized coating resist drenching rains, pooling water, and heavy snow. These buildings resist rot, mold, and mildew, making them ideal for damp climates.

Red iron steel also resists many other common issues associated with wood or concrete construction. This includes fire, pest infestation, heavy winds, and other natural elements.

Cold Form vs Red Iron Steel: Factors to Consider

Red iron and cold-formed steel buildings offer several significant advantages over traditional construction. There are some crucial differences between these materials. These issues can impact the building’s durability, cost, and sustainability.

Here is an overview of where red iron and cold-formed steel fall in several categories.

Build times

Cold form and red iron steel buildings typically take less time than wood or concrete construction. However, in many cases, cold-form steel building kits take less time to construct than red iron steel buildings. Quicker and more straightforward  CFSB construction can save you weeks or months of labor costs and allow you to use your building sooner.

Sustainability

Cold-form steel buildings stand out for their energy efficiency. CFSB can support heavier insulation, allowing people to save significantly on energy costs over the building’s lifetime. Owners spend less money keeping the building warm or cool throughout the year.

Strength

Red iron steel buildings stand out for their incredible strength and durability. Red iron steel supports heavy loads, including cranes. This makes red iron steel buildings ideal for manufacturing facilities requiring heavy equipment.

Red iron steel also resists water damage and fire. It can hold up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it, including heavy snow, extreme temperatures, hurricane-strength winds, and daily environmental stressors.

Cost-effectiveness

Red iron and cold-form steel are cost-effective building materials that can last decades with minimal maintenance. There is a difference in their upfront pricing, though. Red iron buildings typically range from $6 to $12 per square foot. Cold-form steel typically costs between $8 and $20 per square foot.

Whether you choose red iron or cold-formed steel, you will need to consider other factors that can affect the overall cost of your project. These include specializations, finishings, foundations, and local labor costs.

Red iron steel and CFSB building kits can help you maximize your investment and create ideal structures for your needs. Reach out to the Titan Steel Structures team to learn more about the benefits of these types of construction.

Comparing Cold Form and Red Iron Buildings: Which is the Best Choice?

Red iron and cold-formed steel buildings offer many advantages over other types of construction. It’s essential to choose the right materials for your unique needs.

Reach out to the experts at Titan Steel Structures to learn more about red iron and cold-formed steel buildings. Explore our range of high-quality steel building kits or get a customized quote for your project.